Rosas Tamales
Last inspected: Jun 2, 2025
74
Score
Across the available record, Rosas Tamales has 12 inspections on file, the first dated 2015. The most recent visit was on Jun 2, 2025. The medium risk tier sits in the middle: not spotless, but not alarming either.
Violation counts have held steady across recent visits, averaging around six violations each.
Looking across the full record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” is the recurring theme, flagged seven times.
By comparison, the average Chicago facility scores 81, putting Rosas Tamales on the weaker side. The full record sits in fairly typical territory for a working restaurant.
12
Inspections
0
Critical latest
0
Major latest
6
Minor latest
Inspection History
Jun 2, 2025
Complaint
6 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Food properly labeled; original container
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD STORAGE CONTAINER AT COFFEE STATION WITHOUT LABELS CONTAINING THE COMMON NAME OF FOODS. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
37
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF FOOD CONTAINERS STORED ON THE FLOOR IN THE WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED TO STORE PROPERLY BY ELEVATING AT LEAST SIX INCHES FROM THE FLOOR.
39
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SCOOP FOR DRY STORAGE CONTAINER (LABELED BAKING SODA) BEING STORED DIRECTLY INSIDE OF THE CONTAINER. INSTRUCTED TO PROPERLY STORE ALL UTENSILS BETWEEN USAGE.
43
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED IMPROPER STORAGE OF FOOD ITEMS INSIDE PLASTIC GROCERY BAGS IN THE PREP AREA COOLER AND DISPLAY COOLER. INSTRUCTED TO USE FOOD GRADE STORAGE BAGS AND/OR CONTAINERS.
47
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO TRASH CAN/RECEPTACLE COVER IN PUBLIC WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
53
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CITY OF CHICAGO FOOD SERVICE SANITATION MANAGER ON DUTY WITH NO PROOF OF ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
58
74
Aug 13, 2024
Routine
1 critical violation. 4 minor violations.
View 5 violations
Food-contact surfaces: cleaned & sanitized
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FEMALE EMPLOYEE WASHING MULTI USE UTENSILS AND POTS WITH ONLY SOAP AND WATER, AND RINSING OFF . 3-COMPARTMENT SINK NOT SET UP NOR ANY SANITIZER USED. INSTD ON PROPER SET UP OF SINK TO PROPERLY WASH, RINSE, AND SANITIZE OF ALL MULTI USE EQUIPMENT. MULTI USE EQUIPMENT WAS PROPERLY WASHED, RINSED, AND SANITIZED AFTER INSTRUCTED. CITATION ISSUED 7-38-025 PRIORITY
16
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: 1 BURNER STOVES (#2) AND 2-BURNER STOVES (#3) NOT UNDER ANY VENTILATION SYSTEM. INSTD TO HAVE ALL STOVES COMPLETELY UNDER PROPER VENTILATION SYSTEM OR REMOVE FROM PREMISES
56
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGER MISSING ALLERGEN TRAINING. INSTD TO PROVIDE ALLERGEN TRAINING FOR ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED MANAGERS
58
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: FOOD STORAGE (TAMALES WITH POTS) ON WALK IN COOLER FLOOR. INSTD TO ELEVATE 6 INCHES AND MAINTAIN
39
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: CONTAINERS COMPLETELY SUBMERGED IN SALSAS AND BEING USED AS DISPENSING UTENSILS. INSTD TO USE PROPER DISPENSING UTENSILS WITH HANDLES AND HAVE HANDLES STORED ABOVE FOOD
43
70
Aug 4, 2023
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CARDBOARD USED AS LINER ON FOOD PREP EQUIPMENT AND TABLES. INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE.
47
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED CLUTTER STORED ON FLOOR IN FURNACE ROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REMOVE ALL UNUSED ARTICLES AND EQUIPMENT TO PREVENT PEST HARBORAGE.
55
Adequate ventilation & lighting; designated areas used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUSTY VENTILATION FILTERS IN BOTH EMPLOYEE RESTROOMS. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
56
86
Jul 27, 2022
Routine
11 minor violations.
View 11 violations
Insects, rodents, & animals not present
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 1/4" GAP ON BOTTOM OF FRONT ENTRANCE DOOR. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL OUTER OPENINGS ON DOOR TO PREVENT PEST ENTRY.
38
Contamination prevented during food preparation, storage & display
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD ITEMS STORED ON FLOOR IN WALK-IN FREEZER. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL FOOD ITEMS OFF FLOOR AND MAINTAIN .
39
In-use utensils: properly stored
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD HANDLER USING STYROFOAM CUP TO DISPENSE BEVERAGES FROM LARGE CONTAINERS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE LONG HANDLE DISPENSING UTENSILS TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
43
Single-use/single-service articles: properly stored & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED SINGLE SERVICE ARTICLES STORED ON FLOOR IN FRONT STORAGE AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO ELEVATE ALL SINGLES SERVICE ARTICLES OFF FLOOR TO PREVENT CONTAMINATION.
45
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED RAW WOOD SHELVING IN REAR PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO SEAL ALL RAW WOOD SURFACES AND MAINTAIN.
47
Food & non-food contact surfaces cleanable, properly designed, constructed & used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MILK CRATES USED AS SHELVING IN PREP AREA. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE ADEQUATE SHELVING FOR EASY CLEANING AND PEST CONTROL.
47
Non-food/food contact surfaces clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FOOD DEBRIS ON INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR SURFACES OF PREP TABLES, SHELVING UNITS, COOLERS AND COOKING EQUIPMENT. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN .
49
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO COVERED WASTE RECEPTACLE IN FIRST UNISEX WASHROOM. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE.
53
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DAMAGED BASEBOARDS ALONG WALLS AND OPENINGS AROUND OUTLETS IN DINING AREA, DAMAGED FLOOR TILES IN PREP AND DINING AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO REPAIR, REPLACE AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: OBSERVED DUST AND SMOKE BUILDUP ON WALLS AND CEILINGS IN PREP AREAS, WATER ON FLOOR NEAR GREASE TRAP AND DEAD INSECTS ON FLOOR IN FURNACE ROOM AND STORAGE AREAS. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
All food employees have food handler training
Inspector notes: OBSERVED EXPIRED FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR EMPLOYEES. INSTRUCTED MANAGER TO PROVIDE VALID FOOD HANDLER TRAINING FOR ALL EMPLOYEES.
57
58
Mar 19, 2021
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: WATER ON FLOOR IN FURNACE ROOM. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND CORRECT
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: DUST ON CEILING ABOVE PREP TABLES IN NEED OF CLEANING. INSTRUCTED MANGER TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
90
May 21, 2020
Complaint
1 critical violation. 3 major violations. 2 minor violations.
View 6 violations
Hands clean & properly washed
Inspector notes: OBSERVED 2 EMPLOYEES IMPROPERLY WASHING HANDS, ONLY RINSING WITH WATER AND DRYING HANDS WITH A CLOTH. INSTD TO PROPERLY WASH HANDS, WITH SOAP AND WATER FOR AT LEAST 20 SECONDS AND DRY WITH PROPER HAND DRYING PROVISION (DISPOSABLE TOWELS OR AIR DRYING DEVICE). PRIORITY VIOLATION 7-38-005
8
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: MISSING EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY FOR ALL EMPLOYEES. INSTD TO PROVIDE FOR ALL EMPLOYEES AND MAINTAIN. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-010
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: NO PROCEDURE IN PLACE FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS. INSTD TO PROVIDE PROCEDURE AND NECESSARY SUPPLIES EFFECTIVE AGAINST NOROVIRUS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
5
Toxic substances properly identified, stored, & used
Inspector notes: EMPLOYEE MEDICATION BOTTLES STORED ON BOTTOM OF PREP TABLE. INSTD TO STORE PROPERLY IN DEIGNATED AREA. PRIORITY FOUNDATION 7-38-005
28
Adequate handwashing sinks properly supplied and accessible
Inspector notes: MISSING HANDWASH SIGNAGE AT HANDWASH SINKS. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN SIGNAGE
10
Toilet facilities: properly constructed, supplied, & cleaned
Inspector notes: MISSING COVER FOR TOILET ROOM RECEPTACLE. INSTD TO PROVIDE AND MAINTAIN
53
58
Mar 6, 2019
Routine
3 major violations. 4 minor violations.
View 7 violations
Management, food employee and conditional employee; knowledge, responsibilities and reporting
Inspector notes: FOUND NO EMPLOYEE HEALTH POLICY ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO IMPLEMENT A POLICY WHERE ALL MANAGERS, FOOD AND CONDITIONAL EMPLOYEES ACKNOWLEDGES THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES FOR REPORTING ANY ILLNESSES THAT ARE TRANSMISSIBLE THROUGH FOOD. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-010 NO CITATION ISSUED.
3
Procedures for responding to vomiting and diarrheal events
Inspector notes: FOUND NO PROCEDURES FOR RESPONDING TO VOMITING AND DIARRHEAL EVENTS ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO IMPLEMENT A PROCEDURE AND PROVIDE ALL NECESSARY SUPPLIES FOR HANDLING THESE EVENTS. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED.
5
Thermometers provided & accurate
Inspector notes: FOUND NO FOOD TEMPERATURE MEASURING DEVICE (THERMOMETER) ON SITE. INSTRUCTED TO OBTAIN THERMOMETER WITH THE METAL STEM FOR ADEQUATE INTERNAL TEMPERATURE TAKING. PRIORITY FOUNDATION VIOLATION 7-38-005 NO CITATION ISSUED
36
Wiping cloths: properly used & stored
Inspector notes: WIPING CLOTHS NOT PROPERLY STORED WHEN NOT IN USE. INSTRUCTED TO STORE IN SANITIZING SOLUTION (MUST BE AT THE REQUIRED PPM) WHEN NOT IN USE. MAINTAIN SAME.
41
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: THE VENTS IN THE TOILET ROOMS AND THE FILTERS ON THE VENTILATION HOOD IN THE FRONT FOOD PREPARATION AREA HAS THICK DIRT AND DUST BUILD UP. INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND MAINTAIN.
55
Physical facilities installed, maintained & clean
Inspector notes: THE FLOOR TILES IN THE REAR FOOD PREPARATION AREA WITH BROKEN/DAMAGED FLOOR TILES. INSTRUCTED TO REPLACE FLOOR TILES AND MAINTAIN A SMOOTH AND EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
55
Allergen training as required
Inspector notes: ALL CITY OF CHICAGO CERTIFIED FOOD MANAGER CERTIFICATE HOLDERS MUST TAKE THE ALLERGEN TRAINING COURSE. INSTRUCTED TO MEET THE REQUIREMENT AND PROVIDE PROOF.
58
61
Mar 23, 2018
Routine
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: ALUMINUM FOIL ON GREASE INTERCEPTOR. INSTD TO REMOVE FOIL AND RUST AND MAINTAIN SURFACE.
32
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: UNFINISHED WALL NEXT TO REAR EXIT DOOR. INSTD TO REPAIR SAME SO AS TO BE A SMOOTH, EVEN, EASILY CLEANABLE SURFACE.
35
90
Oct 13, 2017
Complaint
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
No evidence of rodent or insect outer openings protected/rodent proofed, a written log shall be maintained available to the inspectors
Inspector notes: OBSERVED ALL DOORS OPENED AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION NOT RODENT/INSECT PROOFED,( BOTH FRONT DOORS, AND THE REAR DOOR OPEN AT THIS TIME OF INSPECTION) . INSTRUCTED TO CLOSE, CAN'T OPEN UNLESS YOU INSTALL SCREEN DOORS. SERIOUS VIOLATION 7-38-020.
18
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FRONT FREEZER LID BROKEN/OFF LINE DON'T CLOSE ALL THE WAY, INSTRUCTED TO REPAIR/OR REPLACE.
32
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED THE FRONT FREEZERS INTERIOR NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO DEFROST AND CLEAN.
33
86
Jan 5, 2017
Routine
3 minor violations.
View 3 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: OBSERVED REAR SLICER NOT CLEAN, INSTRUCTED TO CLEAN AND SANITIZE.
33
Floors: constructed per code, cleaned, good repair, coving installed, dust-less cleaning methods used
Inspector notes: OBSERVED STANDING WATER IN DINING AREA FRONT, INSTRUCTED TO REMOVE STANDING WATER/DRY MOP.
34
Walls, ceilings, attached equipment constructed per code: good repair, surfaces clean and dust-less cleaning methods
Inspector notes: OBSERVED FRONT HALL STORAGE AREA WEST WALL IN POOR REPAIR, INSRUCTED TO REPAIR. ALSO RE-ATTACH REAR WALL BEHIND 3 COMPARTMENT SINK. REPLACE WATER DAMAGED CEILING TILE OUT SIDE 2ND. RESTROOM.
35
86
Mar 1, 2016
Complaint
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact equipment utensils clean, free of abrasive detergents
Inspector notes: CLEAN INTERIOR OF REACH IN COOLERS AND FREEZERS. CLEAN AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
33
Lighting: required minimum foot-candles of light provided, fixtures shielded
Inspector notes: LIGHTS THROUGHOUT PREP AREA IN NEED OF PROPER SHEILDS. MUST INSTALL AND MAINTAIN AT ALL TIMES.
36
90
Aug 17, 2015
License
2 minor violations.
View 2 violations
Food and non-food contact surfaces properly designed, constructed and maintained
Inspector notes: OBSERVED MASA PURCHASED IN GROCERY BAGS, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE PROPER FOOD GRADE CONTAINER OR BAGGIES IE. ZIP-LOCK ETC.
32
Food handler requirements met
Inspector notes: OBSERVED NO FOOD HANDLER CERTIFICATES ON PREMISES AT THIS TIME, INSTRUCTED TO PROVIDE.
45
90
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Rosas Tamales last inspected?
The most recent health inspection at Rosas Tamales on file is from Jun 2, 2025. The public record contains 12 inspections in total.
What is the most common violation at Rosas Tamales?
Across the inspection record, “physical facilities installed, maintained & clean” has been cited seven times, more than any other issue at Rosas Tamales.
Has Rosas Tamales' inspection record improved over time?
Results have been roughly steady. Inspections at Rosas Tamales have averaged around six violations per visit across the recent record.
What does a medium risk rating mean?
A medium risk rating at Rosas Tamales means the most recent inspection turned up a handful of issues that the health department wrote up but did not classify as critical.
How often is Rosas Tamales inspected?
Based on the inspection history on file, Rosas Tamales is inspected roughly once per year on average.
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